Creative Sound Blaster GS3 vs Creative Sound Blaster GS5
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| CreativeSound Blaster GS3 | CreativeSound Blaster GS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | 2024 | 2024 |
| Sound | ||
| Type | Soundbar | Soundbar |
| Dolby Atmos | No | No |
| Drivers | Full-range racetrack drivers with a built-in rear port tube; maker rates two channels at 6 W RMS each. | Full-range racetrack drivers with a rear port tube; maker specifies two 15 W RMS soundbar channels. |
| Amplifiers | Up to 12 W RMS total power and 24 W peak. A suitable USB-C connection is needed for the stated output; power adapter is not supplied. | Up to 30 W RMS total system power, with a 60 W peak output claim; supplied 30 W mains adapter. |
| Frequency response | Current UK specification lists 65–20,000 Hz and 85 dB signal-to-noise ratio; the Japanese launch sheet differs, listing 100 Hz–20 kHz and >75 dB. UK figures are retained for this listing. | 65–20,000 Hz; maker quotes 85 dB signal-to-noise ratio without additional measurement conditions. |
| Room tuning | SuperWide processing broadens the apparent soundstage; it does not apply to headphone output according to the maker launch guide. | SuperWide soundstage processing with Near Field mode for desktop listening and Far Field mode for larger spaces. |
| Connections | ||
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| AirPlay | No | No |
| HDMI eARC | No | No |
| Voice assistants | None | None |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4, SBC codec and A2DP; maker quotes up to 10 m in open space. | Bluetooth 5.3 receiver, SBC codec and A2DP; up to 10 m open-space range, affected by walls and structures. |
| Ports | USB-C for digital audio and power, 3.5 mm AUX input and headphone output; no optical or HDMI input. Included USB-C to USB-C cable is 1.5 m. | Optical TOSLINK input, USB-C audio, 3.5 mm AUX input, headphone output and DC power. Supplied USB-A to USB-C cable is 1.5 m. |
| Streaming | Bluetooth audio; no Wi-Fi or AirPlay receiver. | Bluetooth audio; no Wi-Fi, AirPlay or network multi-room system. |
| App | – | Creative app offers EQ, audio processing and RGB lighting customisation; available functions depend on the host platform. |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 1.037 kg (better) | 1.5 kg |
| Controls | Volume/power knob, source/Bluetooth pairing, SuperWide and lighting controls. RGB presets include Chasers, Aurora, Peak Meter, Glowing, Wave and Cycle. | On-bar volume knob and buttons, two-character display, selectable RGB lighting and included IR remote; remote AAA batteries not included. |
| Size | Maker lists 410 × 92.7 × 73.7 mm; current UK weight is 1.037 kg. | Maker lists 510 × 102.7 × 82.6 mm; soundbar weight 1.5 kg. |
| Colours | Black | Black |
| In the box | Soundbar, 1.5 m USB-C to USB-C cable and quick start leaflet; USB-C power adapter and 3.5 mm analogue cable are not supplied. | Soundbar, 1.5 m USB-A to USB-C cable, IR remote, 30 W power adapter with US/JP, EU and UK plugs, and quick start leaflet. |
